DJ Shimamura is a prominent J-core artist that once appeared on the Dancemania Speed series under the pseudonym, “DJ Sin.” He’s since went on to appear on Victor’s Trance Rave albums as well as Quake’s Exit Trance series. His first full album comes out this August, and you can hear ssamples on his MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/djshimamura

I’m not sure if CDJapan will end up stocking the CD, but if they don’t you can always get it from here: http://www.j-core.biz/

Ooooooooohhh, I get it now. “Mikoshi” refers to portable Shinto shrines that are often carried during Japanese festivals, and this album’s theme will be popular festival/folk songs. Yeah, it’s a bit of an unconventional theme for a speed album (though Speed Buyuuden was arguably more random), but at least it’s not anime again! The songs won’t only be from Japan, either. Also included will be popular folk songs from Israel, America, and even Finland. I’m kinda wondering if the three “Western” tracks will be the ones from Disko Warp.

12 tracks are planned at the moment. That may not seem like a lot, but apparently they’ll all be full versions, unlike the first Happy Hardcore*Speed which was a non-stop mix.

Side note: Pony Canyon have the subtitle listed simply as “Mikoshi Trance.” Technically the “o” is only there as an honorific, but I’ll keep it anyway.

The final list is out, and it’s shockingly repeat-free! Every track is either a new remix or a new song. That’s quite a feat these days. Naturally, I’m mostly looking forward to “Naraku no Hana,” but there’s lots of eye-catching stuff here. I don’t know what a “Happy Rag-Ska-Break-Trance-Core Remix” sounds like, but I’d sure like to know!

“Hapikoa” is Japanese shorthand for “Happy Hardcore.” Although, with all of the anime themes on this CD they should’ve just called it Anime*Core. Hearty Inc. will be producing most of the album, with some backup from Disko Warp. Disko Warp Pete has mentioned that he’ll be contributing 6 tracks/remixes to the album, out of 21 total tracks. Judging by the tentative list, the album will be about 50% anime themes and 50% original songs.

Being an anime compilation, it has the requisite star in the title and, of course, the mandatory “Ponyo” cover. My love for “Naraku no Hana” knows no bounds, however, so color me interested.

And for those wondering, this was the other real release I was alluding to on April Fools’ Day. It was originally supposed to be called Happy Hardcore! Super Speed.

A new single from Disko Warp Records, who collaborated with the Smile.dk team for “Doki Doki.” “Lolitabot” has catchy lyrics and a really strong, memorable synth hook. However, like a lot of hardcore these days, there’s a little too much emphasis on bass for me. Hardcore fans will love it, though, so if you’re in to the genre then do yourself a favor and check out the Initial P remix at the very least. Myself, I wish they had included a slower dance remix akin to what Saifam usually does for Jenny Rom songs.